Police have confirmed the names of the two people who died after a house was struck by a landslide on Welcome Bay Road in Papamoa on Thursday, January 22.
Ten-year-old Austen Keith Richardson and his grandmother, 71-year-old Yao Fang (pronounced Fung), died after the property they were in was extensively damaged by the slip.
Police say they are continuing to support the family through an extremely difficult time. The deaths have been referred to the Coroner.
In a statement released on behalf of Austen’s parents, Keith and Angel, the family described a much-loved only child and a deeply cherished grandmother.
“Austen was the much-loved only child of Keith and Angel, and Fang’s only grandchild. Angel is also the only child of Fang,” the statement said.
“Austen and his grandmother had an incredibly close relationship with Austen, affectionately calling her Nai Nai.”
The family said Austen was born in Shanghai, China, before moving to New Zealand when he was about eight months old. Fang spent extended periods in New Zealand with the family following his birth.
Austen had recently finished at Arataki School, where he thrived in a Montessori class, and had been accepted to Bethlehem College, where he was due to start Year 7 shortly.
“A gifted musician, Austen loved piano, was extremely mechanically minded, loved building Lego, riding motorbikes, Pokémon and solving math equations,” the statement said.
The family described treasured recent memories, including a visit to the Kumeu Classic Car and Hot Rod Festival and surprising Austen with his dream motocross bike.
They also recalled attending the annual Honda Kids Camp at Lake Rotoiti, where Austen enjoyed reconnecting with friends and making new ones.
Austen spoke Mandarin fluently, was proud of his Chinese heritage and loved visiting China on family trips.
The statement also paid tribute to Fang, describing her as a devoted mother and grandmother who worked as an architect in China while raising Angel as a solo parent.
“She loved the nature in New Zealand, helped us grow an incredible vegetable garden, looked after our chickens, and joined us at Chinese Methodist Church in Greerton.”
The family thanked those who have supported them following the tragedy.
“We are grateful for the amazing support we have received from family and friends, the wider community as well as the emergency services and support agencies who have wrapped around us as we come to terms with this.
“We are absolutely devastated by the loss of our treasured son and his beloved Nai Nai.”
The family also acknowledged others affected by the Mount Maunganui landslide.
“Our thoughts are also with the other families impacted by the Mount Maunganui tragedy and what they are going through.”
